Why Do You Wake Up with A Headache?

Have you ever woken up with a headache? Many people do at some point in their lives, and often it isn’t indicative of anything seriously wrong. In this article, we’ll go over some of the reasons you may be waking up in the morning with a headache and when you should see a doctor.

Insomnia

Insomnia causes sleep deprivation which can result in headaches. Depending on the severity of your insomnia, you may need to see a doctor. It can be treated with medications, therapy, or a combination of the two.

Snoring or Sleep Apnea

Headaches associated with snoring or sleep apnea usually go away within the first thirty minutes of waking up. However, if you think you may have sleep apnea, talk to your doctor about treatment options. This serious condition is treatable but may worsen over time.

Grinding Your Teeth

When you grind your teeth in your sleep, you may wake up with a dull throbbing in your temples. While it is usually associated with stress, the immediate problem may be treated with a mouth guard.

Muscle Strain

Your sleeping position may be the cause of your headache! Depending on the position of your head and neck, you could be unknowingly causing strain. Try sleeping in a different position for a few nights to see if this is the issue. 

When to See A Doctor

Fortunately, most morning headaches are nothing to be concerned about. However, if you experience any of the following, talk to your doctor as soon as possible:

• Two or more headaches in the same week
• Recurring headaches in patients over the age of 50, especially if you have not experienced them before
• A sudden or severe headache accompanied by a stiff neck
• A headache that occurs after a head injury
• A headache accompanied by fever, nausea, or vomiting
• A headache with confusion, weakness, double vision, or loss of consciousness
• A headache that suddenly changes in pattern or severity
• Sudden chronic headaches in children
• Headaches with weakness or loss of sensation in a part of the body

If you think your morning headaches may be due to an orthopaedic issue, contact Beacon today! Our specialists will be happy to help get you back to pain-free mornings.